Abstract
The stages of change construct of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM)
has been proposed for examining exercise adoption. Studies investigating the
construct validity of the stages of change for exercise have used physical
activity of moderate or higher intensity as operationalization criterion. Since
it has been shown that physical activity of lower intensity also provides
health benefits, we investigated whether the stages of change appropriately
address lower intensity physical activity. Data with respect to the stages of
change as well as behavior, intention and self-efficacy associated with mild,
moderate, and strenuous exercise were collected in a sample of 467 males and
females aged 20 - 85. Results show that the stages of
change can be distinguished by moderate and strenuous but are not consistent
with mild exercise. Implications for future research utilizing the stage of
change conceptualization are discussed and development of new stage assessment
instruments for mild exercise is recommended.
Key words
Transtheoretical model - exercise - construct validity
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A. Schumann, Dipl.-Psych.
Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald · Institute of
Epidemiology and Social Medicine
Walther-Rathenau-Str. 48 · 17487 Greifswald ·
Germany ·
Phone: +49-3834-86 77 20
Fax: +49-3834-86 77 01
Email: schumann@uni-greifswald.de
